Hollywood has long captured the imagination of people who fantasise about the lifestyles of the rich and famous. The personalities who make their homes in this fabled neighbourhood represent the height of style, glitz, and glamour. However, few have reached the same level of Hollywood-cool as Marlon Brando. A character that his hilltop reflects, even when put up against the larger mansions favoured by A-list celebrities today.

A Hollywood Personality

Marlon Brando made his Hollywood debut in 1950 with his role as a paraplegic WW2 veteran in The Men. Throughout the 1950s he appeared in several notable films such as A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) and The Young Lions (1958). His popularity put him in the top 10 box-office draws from 1955 to 1958.

In the 1960s, Brando earned a reputation for self-indulgence and drama. During the filming of Mutiny on the Bounty (1962), he threw tantrums on set, and repeatedly attempted to change the script. When not on set, he was busy with his numerous affairs and gluttonous diet. Many criticised him for being aloof off set as well, distancing himself from everyone else. Just another day in the life of one of the eras most popular celebrities.

In 1972, Brando played the role of Don Corleone in The Godfather, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. However, he rejected the award, protesting Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans. As part of his protest, he even declined to show up at the awards show, sending a Native American named Sacheen Littlefeather to decline the award.

Dramatic Architecture for a Dramatic Personality

In the previous paragraphs, we’ve seen how Brando had a bit of a flair for the dramatic. However, the many roles he played also established his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most suave actors of the era. These traits which distinguished him as a person also set his Hollywood abode apart from the many mega-mansions favoured by other celebrities.

Built in 1926 by renowned architect A.F. Leicht, the house has been modernised since then, but it still retains much of the original architecture. Described as a Mediterranean-style mansion with neo-Gothic architectural cues, some of the hallmarks of the building are its circular tower structures, flying buttresses and vaulted ceilings. The large living, library, dining room has space to seat up to 20 comfortably. This is probably the most well-known room in the house as it was used in 1955 to photograph Brando with his first Oscar. The ornate fireplace contrasts beautifully with the modern furnishings and provides a refreshing aesthetic, especially when compared to the numerous ultra-modern properties on the market today.

Moving up to the second floor, the master suite has its own sunroom which offers clear views of other architecturally significant houses in the area, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Storer Residence and Charles Kyson’s De Witt home. Other rooms in the home offer spectacular views of Los Angeles courtesy of the arched Gothic windows, but for a truly breath-taking experience, one should make their way up to the circular towers for picturesque views of the Sunset Strip.

Other features of the 4,300 square-foot property include a newly renovated kitchen and breakfast room, and a detached two-car garage. The historic home was last purchased in 2018 by John Gilbert Getty of the J. Paul Getty oil family for $3.9 million. It is currently listed by Compass for $4.295 million.

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